Communal Holiness in the Gospel of John: The Vine Metaphor as a Test Case with Lessons from African Hospitality and Trinitarian Theology

by Musa Victor Mdabuleni Kunene

Overview

In this book the author contends that communal holiness is the central theme of the vine metaphor in John 15:1-17. Illumination of the Johannine vine metaphor is illustrated by drawing on background information on the vine and its metaphorical usage in the Ancient Near East, Old Testament, and Second Temple Period and to suggest understanding in light of the communal holiness of the covenant people of God. Comparing the themes of holiness and corporateness pertinent to the covenant the book also reflects the covenant with Israel in relation to John’s understanding of the people of God. The notion of covenant, which embraces reference to the people of God as vine/vineyard in the Old Testament and Second Temple Period, underlies John’s vine metaphor. The book focuses research on ANE viticulture to determine the context(s) of when the vine was used to refer to Israel in a covenant relationship with God. In this historical context the Johannine vine metaphor receives fresh meaning and relevance for the people of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781907713255
Publisher:	Langham Creative Projects
Publication date:	06/14/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	246
File size:	543 KB

About the Author

Musa Kunene is from Swaziland and is currently a pastor at St Helens Church of the Nazarene in Merseyside, UK. He received his PhD in 2010 from the University of Manchester and has a MA in Theology from Nazarene Theological College, Manchester and an MA in Religion from Southern Nazarene University, Oklahoma, USA.

Editorial Reviews

"This work is a readable and balanced study of the vine imagery in John 15:1-17, arguing that its central theme is that of communal holiness. Kunene believes that the notion of covenant, with its associated ideas of holiness and corporateness, underlies John's metaphor; while the Johannine understanding of the people of God, in his view, stems from the biblical motif of the covenant with Israel. This intriguing presentation will provide a fresh and helpful con- tribution to the eld of Johannine studies, and I commend it to you warmly." Stephen S Smalley Dean Emeritus of Chester

From the Publisher